Smart Living Rockford -June 2026

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Senior Editor Lindsey Lukas

Managing Editor Jim Taylor

Deputy Editor Steven Bonifazi

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Convenience?

Convenience has become something we barely question anymore. It shows up in the form of two-day shipping, grocery pickup slots, drive-thru everything, and apps that promise to bring whatever we want straight to our door in under an hour. On the surface, it feels like progress. And in many ways, it is! Life is busy!

But there’s a quieter cost building underneath it all, and it isn’t always measured in dollars.

When errands no longer require stepping inside a store, we lose the small, ordinary interactions that once stitched a community together. The quick chat with the cashier about the weather. The familiar nod to a neighbor in the cereal aisle. Even the minor inconvenience of waiting in line used to create space for human connection. Now, many of these little moments are being optimized away. Despite being more introverted, I still rewatch “Gilmore Girls” every so often and think how nice it would be if people behaved like the characters in Stars Hollow.

There’s also the way convenience reshapes our patience. The expectation of instant results doesn’t stop at shopping… it creeps into everything. When something takes longer than expected, it starts to feel broken, even if it’s just normal life happening at its own pace.

And then there’s the local impact. Every time we choose the fastest option, the most automated option, or the app that removes the need for a storefront interaction, small businesses feel it. Not immediately, not dramatically, but gradually, like water wearing down stone.

None of this means convenience is the enemy. It has made life easier in meaningful ways. But it’s worth asking if we could find more balance.

Your local businesses, including many in this publication, would love to see you.

Have a great month! ❚

Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor

Honesty Matters

Honest people can be trusted to do the right thing, even when that thing means personal sacrifice. But liars rationalize selfish behaviors. They tell themselves it’s OK to tell ‘white lies’ or to lie on tax forms; they may believe anything is justifiable in the pursuit of making money. And lying politicians have become such a common sight that we reward them with public office.

Big or little, a lie is a lie.

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” – Luke 16:10 (NIV)

While “Be Honest” isn’t one of the 10 Commandments, it’s at the core of most. Stealing, bearing false witness and committing adultery, for example, all involve dishonesty … and God doesn’t like it. When we lie, we rob ourselves of true peace and other spiritual riches that come with “growing up in Christ.” (Ephesians 4:15) We also weaken the fabric of society, which depends upon basic honesty to function well. Dishonesty grieves the heart of a generous God who has lavished us with unconditional love and eternal life. And God is never fooled by the lies of men.

“Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, were listening to all these things and were scoffing at Him [Jesus]. And He said to them, ‘You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God.’” (Luke 16:14 & 15)

Before the coming of Jesus, it would have been better for us to cut off our hands than to steal again. Today, in the Age of Grace, we have better options. We can choose to change our bad habits and grow up in Christ. As we do, something wonderful happens: We experience the secret thrill of pleasing God and walking in step with Him. We feel joy. And with each honest move, we extend the light of Christ further into a dark world.

The world seldom exalts people for being honest, but who cares? We do it because pleasing God is worth everything.

Yes, the world exalts cheaters.

Don’t let it get you down.

Jesus Christ has overcome the world. (John 16:33). ❚ – Janine Pumilia

Byron’s Biggest Weekend Returns July 10-12

By Peggy Werner

ByronFest returns for its 39th year with three days of live music, carnival rides, food vendors, contests, family activities and community events throughout the downtown. Happening July 1012, the festival continues to grow each year with expanded entertainment, more family attractions and new vendors, says Michele Lorenz, executive director of the Byron Chamber of Commerce, organizer of the event.

“The festival is the heart of our community,” she says. “Everyone gets together to highlight what’s special about Byron and create something people look forward to every summer.”

Additional events are held in other venues throughout the city, including athletic events with the Byron Park District and Byron Forest Preserve’s Jarrett Prairie Center, 7993 N. River Road, and a

quilt show at the Byron Museum of History, 110 N. Union St.

Returning for a second year is a summer market from 4-8 p.m. Friday, just outside of the main entrance gate. The market features locally produced fruits and vegetables, handmade soaps, jewelry, crafts, coffee, baked goods and more.

The children’s area is bigger and

better this year, Lorenz says, with more games, prizes and activities including a new mini golf game, relay games, childfriendly ax throwing, a pool table and a new Connect Four game.

ByronFest is known for its non-stop music on two separate stages, with a beer garden at each location. The Constellation Stage is located outside of City Hall on the corner of Second and Washington streets. The Byron Lyons Stage is at the Municipal Parking Lot 1 on Walnut Street.

The full music schedule includes headliner Colin Lynch, who performs from 10 p.m.-midnight Friday on the Constellation Stage. The fast-rising country and Americana singer/songwriter from the Philadelphia area is known for his storytelling-driven music and songs like “Drinking Alone.” He entertains with

an extensive playlist of crowd-pleasing songs across many genres.

Friday’s entertainment includes Over the Limit at 5 p.m., Roseland at 7:15 p.m. and the Real Deal at 9:15 p.m. on the Lions Club Stage. Shooter performs at 5 p.m., Sheez-It at 7:30 p.m. and Dirty Pop at 10 p.m. on the Constellation Stage.

Saturday’s music line-up includes EJKane at 1 p.m., Mike McHale at 2:30 p.m., ByronFest Idol at 4 p.m., Hairna-

tion at 5:30 p.m., 80’s Hit List at 7:45 p.m. and Back Country Roads at 10 p.m. on the Lions Club Stage. Also, there’s DJ Shine at noon, Austin Karr Acoustic at 5 p.m., On The Rocks at 6:30 p.m. and Mike & Joe at 9 p.m. on the Constellation Stage.

On Sunday, see Byron Dance Academy at 1 p.m. and Some Friends of Mine at 3:15 p.m. on the Lions Stage, and Distilled at noon and Wait, What? at 3 p.m. on the Constellation Stage. The parade lineup begins at 1:30 p.m. at Maple and Second streets and travels east on Second, north on Colfax, and east on Third Street before ending at Third and Market streets.

The popular bags tournament begins at noon Saturday. Cash prizes are awarded to the first, second and third place winners. Entry forms are available online at byronfest.org.

Joining the festival’s extensive lineup of food vendors this year is Polish Shack, based in Mount Prospect, Ill. They

serve up authentic Polish street food like Pierogi, sausages, potato pancakes, zapiekani (baguettes) and more. Other food vendors include Kona Ice, Peking Food, Pizza on Earth, Ole Folks BBQ, Dogs on the Run, Hector’s Cocina and Bings Drive-in.

The festival not only encourages tourism, but it also gives an opportunity for nonprofit organizations to raise funds for various projects. Byron Bank is the main sponsor of the festival and has an informational tent downtown.

Admission wristbands are $8 in advance and $10 at the gate and are required on Friday and Saturday for the beer gardens, entertainment stages and Taste of ByronFest. Children 7 and under enter free. Sunday is family day and wristbands are not needed.

Festival hours are Friday from 5 to midnight, Saturday from noon to midnight, and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. ❚

For more information, visit byronfest.org or call (815) 234-5500.

BioBlitz Opens Preserve to the Public

By Steven Bonifazi, deputy editor

Anarrowtwo-track road cuts through waist-high grass at the entrance to Silver Creek Woods Preserve, just southwest of Rockford. Most days, the only foot traffic is from volunteer restoration crews hauling loppers, seed bags and herbicide tanks into the woods. The public rarely makes it past the gate.

For more than five decades, the 161-acre preserve at 6040 Tipple Road was closed to the public while the Natural Land Institute, headquartered at 320 S. Third St. in Rockford, restored prairie, wetlands and oak-hickory woodland around the property’s meandering, spring-fed creek. That changes June 19 and 20, when the gates open for the preserve’s first BioBlitz. The 24-hour community science survey blends extensive field research with nighttime exploration.

“We’ve never had a public event

here before,” says Kim Johnsen, director of marketing and membership with Natural Land Institute. “This is a rare opportunity to see that preserve.”

During the event, visitors are encouraged to search creek banks for salamanders, photograph moths beneath glowing backlights, and help scientists inventory everything from dragonflies and prairie wildflowers to bats flying above the tree canopy.

“It helps our land stewardship staff manage the land better and make future decisions for managing the entire property,” Johnsen says.

Friday evening’s programming runs from 6 to 10 p.m. On Saturday morning, the focus shifts to hands-on field science.

Joel Neylon of Wild Birds Unlimited leads a bird hike at 9:30 a.m. through restored grasslands where compass plant

and milkweed attract bees, butterflies and migrating birds. He also leads a pollinator hike at 11 a.m.

By late morning, visitors can follow their noses to Big Jon’s Dogs N’ More, a food truck parked near the preserve entrance. Visitors can grab Chicago-style Vienna beef hot dogs, walking tacos, chili cheese fries and bottled water.

After this summer’s BioBlitz ends, Silver Creek Woods will return to stillness once again. ❚

To register for the event, visit naturalland.org.

Petunia Fest Celebrates America’s Birthday

By Peggy Werner

This year, Dixon’s Petunia Festival, happening July 2-5, is extra special.

“This year’s festival will be even more meaningful as Dixon joins communities across the nation in celebrating America’s 250th birthday,” says Jenna Dempsey, the festival’s vice president of marketing. “The patriotic spirit of the weekend will fill the streets as the community comes together for live music, fireworks, parades, family activities and unforgettable traditions. Against a backdrop of Dixon’s signature pink petunias, the red, white and blue celebrations will create a vibrant atmosphere.”

The event takes place on festival grounds along the riverfront, in front of Dixon High School, 300 Lincoln Statue Dr., and between the bridges and throughout downtown Dixon.

It’s a labor of love, Dempsey says.

“The entire community gets together and rallies behind the festival that brings in a record number of visitors to our downtown. It’s the biggest event of the year, with all money raised going into the next year’s festival,” she says.

Highlights include daily carnival rides on Lincoln Statue Drive between Dixon High School and the riverfront, a parade at 1 p.m. Sunday beginning at St. Mary’s Catholic School, 704 S. Peoria Ave., and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Sunday. Listen live on River Country 101.7FM.

Musical entertainment is on two stages: the Main Stage on the corner of River Street and Galena Avenue, and the Reagan Stage, in front of the President Ronald Reagan statue on River Street and Hennepin Avenue. Other events include food vendors, a dog parade, daily pancake breakfast, an ice cream social,

games, tournaments, a car show, bags tournament, tours of President Ronald Reagan’s boyhood home, and a community worship service.

“The festival showcases the heart of Dixon,” Dempsey says. “It’s a celebration of hometown pride and the spirit that makes small-town America so special.” ❚

For a complete schedule, go to petuniafestival.org.

‘1776’

July 2, 7:30-10 p.m. Celebrate Independence Day with a powerful concert about the American Revolution. Starlight Theatre at Rock Valley College, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu.

Red, White and Boom

July 3, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Experience sensoryfriendly fireworks displays. Crafts include sparkler making and a fun photo spot to capture memories. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 963-6769, discoverycentermuseum.org.

July Fourth in Rockford

July 4, all day. Events include a 5K run/walk, a patriotic breakfast, food and craft vendors, and a parade. Live evening entertainment at Water Street and City Market pavilion at 6 p.m. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Location: Downtown Rockford, gorockford.com.

Alpine Kiwanis Brat Days

July 10-12, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. The Alpine Kiwanis Club offers drive-thru and walk-up service. Live entertainment at both locations. CherryVale Mall, 7200 Harrison Ave., Rockford, and Blain’s Farm & Fleet, 7300 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, Ill., alpinekiwanisrockford.org.

Woodsong: The Neverly Brothers

July 12, 6-8 p.m. Hear hits by Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, The Beatles and Rolling Stones. Bring blankets or lawn chairs and your own food and drink. Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-8146, klehm.org.

‘Once on this Island’

July 15-19, 7:30 p.m. Set on the island of Haiti, this play tells the story of Ti Moune, a fearless peasant girl who rescues and falls in love with a young man from the wealthy side of the island. Her journey explores themes of love, sacrifice and destiny. Starlight Theatre at Rock Valley College, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, (815) 9212160, rockvalleycollege.edu.

Japanese Summer Festival

July 18-19, events daily. Exhibits, demonstrations and unique performances foster a better understanding of Japanese culture. Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.

Tipsy History – The Roaring Twenties

July 18, 1-7 p.m. Visit hidden speakeasies scattered throughout the village as you learn about the Prohibition Era and its impact on Rockford.

Entertainment & Events

women’s baseball teams compete July 22-26 at the Rivets

Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com.

Women’s Baseball World Cup

July 22-26, events daily. Six of the world’s topranked women’s baseball teams compete for their spot at next year’s World Cup Finals in Rockford. Rivets Stadium, 4503 Interstate Blvd., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 240-4159, wbsc.org.

Rhythm of the Heart Festival

July 25, all day. The festival features live music, a car show, food trucks, vendor tents, a kids’ activity area and fireworks. Loves Park Festival Grounds, 100 Heart Blvd., Loves Park, Ill., rhythmoftheheartfest.com. ❚